Westport uses IT systems developed in-house to digitise every facet of the port operation to offer customers a solution that is based on time efficient, cost reduction and hassle-free environment.

THE application of high-end IT networking improves the efficiency, effectiveness and productivity of Westport, transforming it into a worldclass facility.

Its terminal facilities, intelligent office complex, infrastructure and IT support services are tailored to its Fastport standards to facilitate the flow of traffic and transaction.

Westport uses IT systems developed in-house to digitise every facet of the port operation to offer customers a solution that is based on time efficient, cost reduction and hassle-free environment.

Under the umbrella WestportLink, Westport's interactive website for the port and shipping community, the new e-Submit is added, whereby the submission, verification and change of vessel, discharging and loading list are managed by the shipping lines anywhere and anytime via the Internet.

One of the benefits of this service is to provide instant and immediate validation and verification of information that has been submitted.

The traditional change management process, which used to be handled manually by email or telephone, is replaced by an interactive webpage whereby customers can change and update the information.

The tracking of all these changes are done automatically and if necessary, an e-SSR (Special Service Request) will be issued and to up date the billing system for the issuance of invoices.

In recent years, commercial use of Internet has changed the way Westport interacts with customers.

The traditional billing process involves periodic generation of invoices and statements for services rendered.

Paper-based billing is intricate and time consuming process involves printing of invoices/statements, stuffing them into envelopes and sorting for courier services.

The process of creation and processing of invoices/statements can take up to three days excluding the delivery, which requires a few days more.

This process faces the issues of convenience, timeliness, cost and reliability because it does not guarantee the delivery mechanism.

To streamline and improve its billings, Westport will provide e-Billing, a system developed with Privasia (IT development and services arm), in which invoices and statements are delivered to customers and who will then provide payment instructions via the Internet. The pilot run starts in April.

To remain competitive arid to gain customer satisfaction and loyalty, Westport leverages on its edge in technology to set itself apart as the region's cyberport.

The NST, 28.3.2005